Nootropics

Nootropics are a class of supplement or drug that is primarily geared to improvement of cognitive functions (memory, learning, focus, comprehension, etc). Cognitive enhancers come in several different forms including synthetic chemicals, plant extracts, peptides, nutrients and micro-nutrients, and vitamins. We include a brief overview of each category, however you can click on the category for more information about each and a list of compounds that fall under each respective category.

Note that there may be overlap in the various categories, largely because many of the compounds we discuss have more than one use.

This category is comprised of many popular plants, herbs, and extracts of plants and herbs. Many of the more popular natural nootropics have an origin in Ayurvedic medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine, with some having been used for thousands of years.

Well studied in recent years, gotu kola is known as a tool to aid in neurogenesis and neuronal growth [1]. The nootropic can also be neuroprotective [2]. Gotu kola is used to treat anxiety and can increase calmness, contentment, and…

Even though the drug has been available for decades and is approved by the U.S. FDA and European Medicines Agency for treatment of Alzheimer’s disease [3], it is growing in popularity as a nootropic within the online communities. Off-label use…

It seems like every week the nootropics world is faced with another unique blend. Some are better than others, but most are of poor quality. We tend to focus on the effective and forward looking nootropics like truBrain, Qualia, and…

On any Tuesday afternoon, the owners of Athletic Greens can be found enjoying the sights and sounds of Medellin, Colombia. Choosing this charming South American city seems to be no accident. The inventors of Athletic Greens are on a quest…

Modern scientific research has validated some of the claims. One of the many schizandra berry benefits is to reduce stress and feelings of fatigue. A study suggests the fruit does so by reducing cortisol levels [1]. These adaptogenic benefits make…

As a mushroom lover of all kinds, hearing the term “mushroom coffee” for the first time was music to my ears. Upon further inspection, I was pleasantly surprised by Four Sigmatic and their lineup of mushroom products. The Tim Ferriss…

It seems every few weeks there is a pre-made nootropic stack (unique blend) coming to the marketplace. Many have no real merit, others little, and a few stand out above the rest in their popularity and success. Often times, as…

Even though nootropics are growing in popularity worldwide, new people learn about these smart drugs via only a few methods. One is through media outlets that discuss modafinil (provigil) as the new wonder drug of Wall Street and Silicon valley…

The procyanidin content has implications for improving markers of blood flow [1], aiding in general cognitive abilities [2], and is an anti-inflammatory agent as well [3]. Although gnawing your way through pine trees probably won’t provide you with much benefit,…

Last updated: March 16, 2017 For many years, traditional cultures have used southern ginseng for adaptogenic purposes, but only recently are scientific studies showing the benefits of this compound for purposes, such as removing free radicals (antioxidant) and neuroprotection [1]. This…